<p>Or you can drive to the east side (midtown) and get day special, in by 9 or 10 for any 12 hours for $10-15. </p>
<p>I’m surprised no one’s mentioned Mohegan Sun. It’s about a 2 hour drive to NYC, and meets the requirements for hotels with shows.</p>
<p>Confused as well about whether you are looking for a break from NYC - if not my advice with 20 something year olds is to look for a hotel within your price range in NYC. You do not have to spend a fortune for a hotel in the city. NY is your best bet for entertainment that will suit everyone and plenty that can be done spending little or no $.</p>
<p>If you want outside NYC then the only thing that comes to my mind is the Short Hills Hilton in northern NJ about 25 mins outside of NYC. While I would not classify it as a luxury hotel you could certainly use it as a base. They have an indoor pool and also a spa. You would be very close to NYC and Atlantic City. There is an upscale mall across the street and Philadelphia would also be within reach. The town of Princeton is worth a visit around the holidays and we took in a show at the McCarter Theatre on the university campus the last time we passed through. We have friends in Peapack/Gladstone and visit often - most of Northern NJ is very nice. </p>
<p>I agree with Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods, both in CT…but they are very expensive hotels. They do have indoor pools and entertainment, though. Do the Poconos have any sort of places with entertainment anymore? Or the Catskills? I know I’m dating myself, but maybe they have newer, more modern places for entertainment???</p>
<p>Gurney Inn–Montauk. Has a day spa and must be nice Christmas time</p>
<p>Norwegian Jewel offers a 2 night “cruise to nowhere” out of NY. </p>
<p>A good way to get into NYC from NJ with a group is to park at the Secaucus train station and hop on train into NYC penn. It’s a 10 minute ride and many trains stop there. It’s cheaper than parking in NYC and you avoid tunnel traffic. </p>
<p>Quest…do you have a budget for this trip? </p>
<p>You could fly to an all inclusive resort and spend a week there…if your budget will support this.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t recommend Atlantic City. Most of the entertainment there is not going to appeal to young adults, or most old adults, for that matter! Also, there are usually very few shows on during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, so check the schedule before making a decision. It’s also just not a very pleasant place to visit. Forty years ago? Yes. Today? Not so much. And now with several casinos closing, the economic issues there, and resultant crime issues, will be exacerbated.</p>
<p>If you want to include NYC as part of the week (and as others, I’m not clear if you do),then I wouldn’t stay two hours away. That wouldn’t make much sense. That week is very popular in NYC, as you may know, and many hotels and shows will already be booked. The Broadway and off-Broadway shows run on a holiday schedule so that’s worth checking out in your planning.</p>
<p>Quest…please clarify your budget, and whether you want to get OUT of the NYC metro area. As I recall, you have a kiddo in grad school someplace in that vicinity. Is the goal to get her, and the family out of NYC?</p>
<p>I agree…check the Mohegan and Foxwoods schedules. They are close enough.</p>
<p>Will you have a car, or will you be using public transportation?</p>
<p>The CT casinos may not hold much interest than AC for that age group. And it’s not as if they’re in an area with much else of “big trip” interest, unless you want to visit New Haven. Agree, OP needs to clarify. Is this is a chance for family to do things together or just plunk yourselves somewhere and, after swimming, the kids fend for themselves? </p>
<p>If Thumper is right that it’s about getting to NY and then getting out of the City, then it changes things. So what’s the real intent? </p>
<p>Agree with @alwaysamom - I would skip Atlantic City. Not a pleasant place.</p>
<p>@questbest hasn’t been back since she posted, two days ago, so I guess we will have to just wait and see. </p>
<p>Often, people are startled by the volume and rapidity of response to a question on CC. :)</p>
<p>Mohegan Sun has a larger variety of activities and shows than Foxwoods. MS has some sporting events as well…and this might appeal to the younger crowd. </p>
<p>But one would need to check what is actually happening there…as well as ticket availability. The shows are not free.</p>
<p>OTOH…if the family can spring for an all inclusive someplace in the Carribean, they will have activities and things for folks of all ages. </p>
<p>Thanks so much for all of your responses. We are not planning to go into NYC but do not want to be too far from the tristate area so that is why I asked for 2 hours from NYC.</p>
<p>The idea of Poughkeepsie and the Culinary Institute is interesting. I know nothing about that area so any help with nice hotels there is appreciated. We are really looking for a short getaway where we can spend quality time as a family. Because we are all swimmers and love pools we were hoping to find a hotel where the pool gives the feeling of really being away in the Carribean (the Carribean is NOT in the budget unfortunately). A spa in which to be pampered would also be a wonderful touch. Show/entertainment at night would be icing on the cake…</p>
<p>I am not set on Poughkeepsie and am open to other ideas. I hope I’ve explained what we are seeking and thank you in advance for your suggestions!</p>
<p>Both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun have pools and day spas. And shows. Unfortunately there are not a lot of shows or other entertainment the week between Christmas and New Years.</p>
<p>What about D.C.? I’m sure you could find a nice hotel in the vicinity. </p>
<p>Or Boston?</p>
<p><a href=“CIA Restaurants - CIA Foodies”>http://www.ciarestaurantgroup.com/new-york-restaurants/</a></p>
<p>This is the link to the restaurants at the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park. You can also go on a tour of Eleanor Roosevelt’s little cottage, and a couple of the nice mansions along the river nearby. There are also some vineyards not far away that are fun…if you are into wine tasting. </p>
<p>Not sure about shows! That area is sort of sleepy at that time of the year.</p>
<p>Campus is closed 12/20-31. I spot checked a few restaurants and looks like they are too- you need to check all.<br>
But I want to do this!</p>
<p>How about something like this?</p>
<p><a href=“Pools & Amenities | Eden Resort & Suites - Lancaster, PA”>Pools & Amenities | Eden Resort & Suites - Lancaster, PA;
<p>There are still a lot of interests that want full blown ‘Vegas’ style casinos in Florida. Atlantic City is starting to look more and more like a bust…Florida doesn’t need casinos if things end up like Atlantic City.</p>